Many people will not be home on Census Night and are confused about where to fill in their Census form.

According to manager of ACT and south east NSW Census operations, Alan Masters it is important that everybody is counted.

"There are a wide variety of reasons why people are not at home on Census Night - some more interesting than others," said Alan.

"The main point is that you fill in a Census form where you stay that night so you are included in the national headcount.

"The Census form has a question on your usual place of residence so you can be attributed back to where you normally live.

"We have a range of options in place to make sure everybody can fill in a Census form.

"If you are away from home on Census Night and don't think a Census collector will find you, please call 1300 362 883 to arrange delivery of a Census form.

"Everybody counts in the Census."

All information provided in the Census is strictly confidential and this is protected by law. The ABS will not pass any personal information to other departments, organisations, marketing companies or individuals.

The ABS has made special arrangements to make sure all are recorded in the Census. A range of examples follow of how people not at home on Census Night are counted.

Shift workers:

If you are working the night shift on Census Night, you fill in your form where you sleep the next day.

Out night-clubbing:

If you are out all night with friends, simply fill in Census form when you get home (preferably after a sleep!). If you sleep at a friends place, you can fill it in there. Remember - all Census information is strictly confidential!

Travelling:

You fill in the form where you are staying on Census Night. Forms will be given to you at all hotel, motels and other paid accommodation. If you are staying with friends or family, you are recorded on their form.

Out of the country:

You don't need to fill in a form. Simply leave your unfilled Census form at home and a Collector will come back to pick it up. You are counted in immigration procedures and attributed back to form Australia's Estimated Resident Population (ERP).

Locked up for the Night:

If you are in prison or a police holding cell on Tuesday 8th August, you will be recorded there. Police and the prison staff will assist you filling in your form.

Camping

National Parks and Wild Life staff can provide you with a form if you are camping in national parks areas. Collectors will be visiting known camping sites also to drop off forms.

Truckies

Census Collectors will be distributing forms at truck stops and other places truck drivers stop.